Is this a common hatchery practice?

[Smeamers]

This is our first time ordering chicks, so sorry if this is a silly question. I was expecting my chicks today from a local hatchery here in west Michigan, but they called yesterday to say they weren't able to fill my order. Now I'm scheduled to get them next week. I was pretty bummed and my young kids were so sad. Does this sort of thing happen often? I had assumed they wouldn't over commit themselves, but I guess it would only take them being a few chicks short to not be able to fulfill an order. I guess they counted their chicks before they hatched?

Amy

 

[purelypoultry]

Unfortunately ship dates are an estimate. Breeders do their best in estimating the number of chicks that will hatch each week. But unfortunately hatchs dont always go as planned. Be prepared for a ship date to be updated. We do our best to schedule shipments and keep that date. If we are unable to provide chicks that hatch day we will either reschedule or give a refund. Check out our Purley Poultry shipping page.

 

[Chirpy]

It seems that the larger hatcheries are better able to meet their expected hatch dates than the smaller hatcheries. That makes sense since the larger ones have more chickens and have often been in business longer with a better 'feel' for how many chicks they will likely need. But, even then you can run into problems and they will have to move back your order arrival date. When dealing with live animals there are so many factors that can come into play and mess up our human calendars.

Last year one of the big hatcheries had a disease outbreak and it pretty much ruined their spring. They fixed it and everything seems to be fine this year.

I will say that using a smaller hatchery will, hopefully, give you great personal service and probably better quality birds. I'm sure it will be worth your wait to get these chicks. It's just soo hard waiting!

 

[silkiechicken]

It can happen. Often hard to estimate how well hatches will turn out 3 weeks in advance to know what to set. Could have had a poor hatch rate for some reason like weather and couldn't meet the order. At least they told you! Waiting is the hardest part!

 

[sparkles2307]

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Nice site. Like the prices and selection, and the Verse!!!

 

[ghulst]

You must have ordered from Townline in Zeeland.The only hatchery in Michigan We were sold out this past week. Chicks are selling very good.

 

[Superman11383]

Estimate!!!! HA...I ordered mine to be here March 26, 2009. I got a call from my neighbor on February 27, 2009 saying there was a "peeping" box on my door step and he was concerned about my chicks overheating. At that point it was a mad dash to get a brroder set up and get the coop built. needless to say my first order didn't go to plan but it is something to laugh about now.

 

[Mrs. Turbo]

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I can't believe they ship chicks without letting you know......what if you were on vacation? That is just crazy!

 

[Superman11383]

The worst part was they dropped them on my doorstep. Reading some of the posts here I see that a lot of people have to go to the post office to get theirs.

 

[jenjscott]

I ordered turkeys and they first called and moved it back three weeks and said they had teouble with the inbcubator. Then they moved it another 3 weeks saying their breeder had a problem.

I sure hope I get my turkeys.